Springs Fever: A Field & Recreation Guide to 500 Florida Springs.

Unnamed Spring above Gainer

Bay County

Summary of Features

  • Scale—3rd magnitude (estimated)
  • Scenery—Good
  • How Pristine?—fence, otherwise completely unspoiled
  • Swimming—poor
  • Protection—unknown
  • Crowds—none
  • Access—difficult, canoe only
  • Facilities—none
  • Safety—fair
  • Scuba—unknown
  • Cost—free

Directions

Off State Road 20 about seven miles west of where it intersects with U.S. 231 north of Panama City. Put canoe in on right where SR20 crosses Econfina Creek and paddle 1/3 mile downstream to small mouth of spring run on the right (west side). The spring is perhaps 150 yards above Gainer Springs.

Spring Description

A clear stream flowing into the river indicates the spring. When visited by JF in August 2000, the run was canopied with branches and shrubs, and its run was blocked by branches and partially dammed. The run is about 100 feet long and eight feet wide, and angles back upriver, paralleling Econfina Creek. The land around the spring is dense forest and swampy. The spring pool is circular and about 22 feet in diameter. There was one clear vent that appeared to be 8 feet below the surface on date of visit, which was a time of low water. The bottom was muddy and covered with fallen branches.

Note: This spring is not described in Springs of Florida (Rosenauet al., 1977) or in any other publication the authors have found.

Use/Access

Personal Impressions

It felt a bit creepy pushing back the branches and practically porting into the spring, but the area was not posted so JF did it.

Nearby Springs

Other Nearby Natural Features